Detroit City Council honors Sheffield, Durhal in year’s final meeting

November 26, 2025

The Detroit City Council held its final meeting of the term on Tuesday, marking the departure of two members—Fred Durhal III and President Mary Sheffield—who left their seats to pursue mayoral campaigns. While Sheffield won the mayoral race and will take office next year, Durhal did not advance past the primary, and both positions will be filled by newly elected representatives. Council members spent time reflecting emotionally on their work together, with colleagues praising Durhal's expertise in municipal finance and his ability to collaborate across ideological differences.

Who is affected

Fred Durhal III (departing District 7 representative)
Mary Sheffield (departing Council President and District 5 representative, incoming mayor)
Denzel McCampbell (incoming District 7 representative)
Renata Miller (incoming District 5 representative)
Returning council members: Angela Whitfield-Calloway (District 2), Scott Benson (District 3), James Tate (District 1), Gabriela Santiago-Romero (District 6), Coleman A. Young II (At-Large), and Johnson (district not specified)
Detroit residents and the city government

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are described in the article. The article focuses on reflections at the final council meeting and past accomplishments rather than current initiatives.

Why it matters

This transition represents a significant shift in Detroit's political landscape, with the city preparing to welcome its first woman mayor while maintaining continuity through the reelection of all seven incumbent council members. The collaborative working relationships developed during this council term, despite ideological differences among members, will be crucial as the legislative body prepares to work with Sheffield in her new executive role. The departure of experienced members like Durhal, who brought expertise in areas such as municipal finance, creates both challenges and opportunities for the incoming representatives and the continuing council.

What's next

Denzel McCampbell and Renata Miller will be sworn in next year to fill the vacated council seats
Mary Sheffield will become mayor and take office next year
The council will work alongside Sheffield in her new mayoral role, with members committed to both pushing and supporting her administration

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com